Portsmouth Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Portsmouth which includes a bay or harbour
Portsmouth featuring kayaking or canoeing as well as a small group of people
Portsmouth
Portsmouth featuring a city
Portsmouth which includes kayaking or canoeing as well as a small group of people
Visitan elegant seaside city at the mouth of the Piscataqua River that excites withits maritime past, historic buildings and scenic walking trails.

Settled in 1623, Portsmouth lays claim to beingone of the oldest cities in the United States. With a rich shipbuildingheritage, a working port and a large waterfront park, there is much to fascinatethe visitor. Cruise through its waterways, learnabout maritime history and explore hundreds of years of Portsmouth’s past inits old homes.

The PortsmouthNaval Shipyard was founded in 1800 and for much of its history was a majorshipbuilding centre. One of the many submarines to roll off its launchpad wasthe USS Albacore, now a floatingmuseum. Walk through the vessel on a guided tour to find out about its years ofservice.

There is more history at the Strawbery Banke Museum, a 9.5-acre(3.8-hectare) site with 42 historic buildings. The oldest structure dates back to 1695. Tour these old properties,which contain artifacts that reveal aspects of everyday life from differenteras.

Leave the car behind for a walk throughPortsmouth’s tree-lined streets. They will take you past beautiful colonialhouses. Shop in upscale boutiques, stop by a cosy café or restaurant and visitmore historic homes. Step inside the RichardJackson House, built in 1664. This is believed to be the oldest survivingwood frame home in New Hampshire.

For a pleasant change of scenery, head to thewaterfront Prescott Park. Relax inthe flower gardens and enjoy gorgeous views of the Piscataqua River.

A delightful way to see the city is from thewater. Go for a cruise onboard a reproduction of the flat-bottom wooden bargesthat were once a regular feature on Portsmouth's waterways.

Take a short boat trip or drive across thebridge to the 27-acre (11-hectare) PierceIsland. The former site of Fort Washington is now known for its scenicwalking trails and outdoor swimming pool.

Portsmouth is roughly halfway between Boston andPortland, Maine. The drive from either of these places takes little more thanan hour. Both are also a little over an hour away by bus. Once you are inPortsmouth, many of the historic and waterfront attractions can be easilyreached on foot.

Where to stay in Portsmouth

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Downtown

If you're spending some time in Downtown, The Music Hall and Portsmouth Brewery are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown
Portsmouth

West End

When in West End, you can plan a visit to The Music Hall and Market Square, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

West End
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Pease

When in Pease, you can plan a visit to Red Hook Brewery and Fox Run Mall, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Pease
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Elwyn Park

While Elwyn Park isn't home to many top sights, Water Country and Wentworth by the Sea Golf Club are some notable places to visit nearby.

Elwyn Park
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South End

While visiting South End, you might make a stop by sights like Wentworth Gardner and Tobias Lear Houses and Children's Museum of Portsmouth.

South End
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North End

When in North End, you can plan a visit to The Music Hall and Portsmouth Brewery, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

North End
Hampton Inn Portsmouth Central
Hampton Inn Portsmouth Central
2.5 out of 5
99 Durgin Ln, Portsmouth, NH
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £120 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£120
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Portsmouth. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Quite a few repairs going on during the stay. Pool and hot tub were Great. Convenient location. Service was very good. Loved the continental breakfast. Convenient washer/dryer."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Hampton Inn Portsmouth Central
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Portsmouth
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Portsmouth
2 out of 5
383 Woodbury Ave, Portsmouth, NH
The price is £104 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£104
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Portsmouth. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Good value"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Portsmouth
Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown
Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown
3 out of 5
23 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth, NH
The price is £163 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£163
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Portsmouth. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,010 reviews)
"Nice hotel right in downtown Portsmouth. Everything is walkable."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Beautiful, Safe and Clean Garden Style Apartment Close to Everything!!!!
Beautiful, Safe and Clean Garden Style Apartment Close to Everything!!!!
Portsmouth
Stay at this apartment in Portsmouth. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Water Country and Market Square are located nearby.
Comfortable, and neat.
"Nice and cozy comfortable stay."

Reviewed on 4 May 2025

Beautiful, Safe and Clean Garden Style Apartment Close to Everything!!!!
Chic Loft-Style Condo in Downtown Portsmouth
Chic Loft-Style Condo in Downtown Portsmouth
Portsmouth, NH
Stay at this apartment in Portsmouth. Enjoy cable/satellite TV service, an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Market Square and Water ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
Great location and stay
"Great location!"

Reviewed on 8 May 2025

Chic Loft-Style Condo in Downtown Portsmouth
Tugboat Vista 2 Bedroom Downtown Portsmouth
Tugboat Vista 2 Bedroom Downtown Portsmouth
Portsmouth, NH
Stay at this apartment in Portsmouth. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Market Square and Water Country ...
Cute apartment with fantastic view
"Great communication from the management. We had a furniture issue and they had options to rectify but we choose to decline due to only having a short time in town. We would stay here again or one of their other properties."

Reviewed on 4 Apr 2025

Tugboat Vista 2 Bedroom Downtown Portsmouth
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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